
Q I'm in the middle of chemotherapy and have no appetite, feeling nauseous even from smells. Are there foods I should avoid to recover well?
A During chemotherapy, it's best to avoid oily, strongly scented foods, raw food, and excess sugar or alcohol. When feeling nauseous, cold, plain foods eaten in small, frequent amounts can help. Dietary restrictions should follow the guidance of the treating physician and nutrition team first.
Detailed Answer
During chemotherapy, eating becomes difficult due to nausea, taste changes, and mouth sores. Oily or strongly scented foods, and hot, spicy foods can worsen nausea, so cold, plain foods tend to be easier to tolerate. During periods of higher infection risk, raw foods (such as raw fish or unwashed raw vegetables) are usually advised against, and excess sugar and alcohol can interfere with recovery and sleep. What and how much to restrict varies by treatment type and condition, so the guidance of the treating physician and nutrition team should always take priority.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
Our clinic views the disrupted digestion and nausea during this period as a sign that the body is struggling to bear the burden, and focuses on easing the stomach while supporting energy. Rather than forcing intake, the approach is to add strength little by little within what can be digested, helping the patient endure treatment and move into recovery.
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